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Easy Venezuelan Cachapas with Queso de Mano recipe

Venezuelan Cachapas with Queso de Mano

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Venezuelan Cachapas are a beloved street food staple: thick, rustic pancakes made from fresh sweet corn batter. They are griddled until golden brown and folded over a thick slice of Queso de Mano—a soft, salty, fresh white cheese. The combination of the sweet, warm corn cake and the savory, melting cheese is an unforgettable culinary experience.

  • Total Time: 35
  • Yield: 6 cachapas

Ingredients

— The Corn Batter —

4 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 4-5 cobs) OR frozen corn (thawed and drained)

¼ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust based on corn sweetness)

1 teaspoon salt

½ cup Masarepa or Harina P.A.N. (pre-cooked yellow corn meal) – to bind

1 tablespoon butter, melted

— The Filling & Topping —

1 lb (450g) Queso de Mano (or thick slices of Mozzarella)

Butter, for cooking and serving

Nata (Venezuelan thick cream) or sour cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. **Prepare the Corn:** If using fresh corn cobs, cut the kernels off the cob with a sharp knife. (Tip: Do not cut too deep into the cob, or the batter will be tough).

2. **Blend:** In a blender or food processor, combine the corn kernels, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Pulse several times. **Do not over-blend**; you want the mixture to remain slightly textured and rustic, not a completely smooth puree.

3. **Thicken:** Pour the mixture into a bowl. Gradually stir in the Masarepa (corn flour) until the batter reaches a consistency similar to thick pancake batter or oatmeal. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the flour to absorb the liquid.

4. **Heat the Budare (Griddle):** Heat a non-stick skillet, griddle, or traditional budare over medium-low heat. Brush lightly with butter or oil.

5. **Cook:** Pour about ½ cup of the batter onto the hot surface. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread it into a circle (about 6 inches wide and ½ inch thick).

6. Cook for 3–5 minutes. You will see bubbles form on top and the edges will start to look dry and golden.

7. **Flip:** Carefully flip the cachapa. Cook for another 3–4 minutes on the second side until golden brown spots appear.

8. **Add Cheese:** Place a slice of Queso de Mano (or mozzarella) on one half of the cachapa. Spread a little butter on top.

9. **Fold:** Fold the cachapa over the cheese (like a taco or omelet). Let it sit on the griddle for 1 more minute to warm the cheese.

10. **Serve:** Remove from heat. Top with a slab of butter and a side of Nata. Serve hot immediately.

Notes

Cheese Substitute: Authentic Queso de Mano is soft, salty, and stringy. If you can’t find it at a Latin market, use a thick slice of fresh Mozzarella combined with a slice of Queso Fresco or Feta to mimic the saltiness.

Consistency: If the batter is too runny, add a little more corn flour. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk. Fresh corn varies in moisture content.

Canned Corn: You can use canned corn (drained well), but you may need to increase the corn flour to absorb the excess moisture.

Cooking Heat: Cachapas contain sugar, so they burn easily. Keep the heat on medium-low and be patient.

  • Author: Anna Lovae
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Category: Breakfast / Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop / Griddle
  • Cuisine: Venezuelan
  • Diet: Gluten Free